"The President Conant Clock" c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have "The President Conant Clock," its maker is unknown, and it now resides in the Harvard Art Museums. The sheer size of it is striking. How would you interpret the clock's role in an institutional setting like Harvard? Curator: Given its monumental presence, it’s likely meant to embody institutional stability and tradition. How does the clock’s design, with its classical motifs, contribute to this message of authority? Editor: I guess the carved details and the overall craftsmanship speak to a sense of established power, like it's always been there. Curator: Precisely. It visually reinforces the idea of enduring legacy, aligning with Harvard’s own self-image. Did this change your perception of it? Editor: Definitely. It makes me think about how institutions use objects to shape their public image. Curator: It's a prime example of how even functional objects can serve a powerful symbolic purpose.